Placentia Punishers roll to decisive victory in opener of Bronco League World Series in Texas

Placentia Punishers are in Texas for the Bronco League Series. (Photo courtesy Placentia Pony Baseball).

The Placentia Punishers 12-and-under baseball all-stars started off the Bronco League World Series in Loredo, Texas with a resounding victory over San Juan, Texas Friday afternoon much to the delight of a large contingent of Placentia family members who cheered the team on as temperatures hit about 105 degrees.

Placentia, coming off the zone championship, rolled to a 23-4 victory and moves on to play against Tijuana, Mexico Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.

The Punishers, coached by Brandon Smith, scored 12 runs in the seventh inning to add to their big lead.

“We had a good start and picked it up in the end,” said starting pitcher Tristan Gerken. “I feel great about the win.”

“Today was a great team win,” added the Punishers Logan Weiss. “We battled in the Texas heat.”

“It was a great start,” said one of the Punishers coaches Buddy Klovstad. “We came here for one reason, to win. We got to show up tomorrow against a good Mexico team and bring our A game.”

Gerken had four strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings. Jacob Wang pitched innings, striking out three and allowing no earned runs. Weiss (two strikeouts), Ben Hansen and Caden Smith also pitched well for the Punishers.

Offensively, Grady Klovstad was 2 for 3 with two runs scored, Andrew Churney was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored, Wang was 1 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored, Smith was 2 for 6 with three runs scored and an RBI, Cole Grothues was 1 for 2 with a run scored and an RBI, Weiss was 3 for 3 with three runs scored and three RBI, Gerken was 2 for 4 with three RBI and three runs scored, Hansen was 2 for 4 with four RBI and three runs scored, Dean Clewett was 2 for 2 with two RBI and two runs scored, Aiden Marchetta was 1 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored and Jayden Stilabower had a hit and a run scored.

The tournament continues through Monday with the championship at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.